Monday, December 5, 2011

HANDMADE - Romanian Traditions

On the night of December 5th, boots are cleaned and carefully polished to be put by the door or on the windowsill to wait for St. Nicholas' (Sfantul Nicolae) visit. He is generous , putting a little present in each boot—usually nuts, tangerines, sweets and small items, like new socks. In some areas a walnut branch or thin twigs with gold, silver, or bronze gilded walnuts are left as a warning that behavior needs to improve.

On the sixth of December, gifts are given to friends, children, and those in need.

It is one of the most important Romanian holidays.

More than 800,000 Romanians celebrate their name day on St. Nicholas day, December 6th. 815,453 persons are named Nicholas or devivations of the name, 530,089 men and 285,364 women, reports the Ministry of Administration.

Over 1000 churches are dedicated to St. Nicholas in Romania, at least 23 are in Bucharest.'

This is one of the most interesting and beautiful I have ever seen. I loved and studied each and every shot. The museum must be a fabulous place to visit. Seeing the native crafts and handwork was such a treat. This is a fabulous post. Thanks so much for sharing your history and artworks with all of us. genie

A nice tradition, this one of "Saint Nicholas", that so happy they do the needy ones and children.Precious photographies, floods of color and life.Thank you very much Wind for these traditions approaching.Cordial regards.Ramon

The older traditional nativbe Swiss speak of similar St. Nicholas Day traditions..getting an orange or a few nuts as gifts. I think it might have been a lump of coal if you were bad.

Traditions cultivated are like the earth can yield a strong harvest that carry you through the lean times. Times when warm embers were placed in a bed-warmer because the bedroom was unheated and the pot under the bed froze if you urinated at night.

The cooler the climate the more vibrant and warm are the festival colors?